Andean Crossing, trekking from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

Early in the morning we leave behind Bariloche to go to Pampa Linda, our starting point of the Andean crossing. We drive for approximately 1.5 hours and arrive to the border control on the Argentinian side. Our walk starts following the Cauquenes River upstream and going into Bamboo and Nothogagus forest. Continuing inside the forest most of the time and after crossing the first river, we start climbing up 500 meters to the pass, arriving then to the border monument and start walking into Chilean territory. In the evening, a tasty dinner and a deserved rest await for us!

Today we descend almost the same amount of meters yesterday we ascended. But this won’t be easier than climbing! Be prepared to use your walking poles really a lot: we will walk approximately for 7 hours (12 km), but of course all the effort will be worthy. Enjoy the incredible views of the southern side of volcano Tronador, notice how vegetation slowly begins to change and new species appear, compared to the Argentinian side.

Overnight at Don Oyarzo´s house, a 200 year old house. Our friend has been living here self-sustainably for more than half a century and has amazing stories to tell. He might share with us some “Chicha” -a homemade liquor- or homemade cheese! Yummy!

The rewarding of hard effort of the past few days has come! On this day an easy 4-hours hike (9 km) will show us beautiful green landscapes. Between Esperanza and The Blanco river there is our camping place named La Junta. We spend here the next two nights, so you can unwind at the famous Leticia thermal waters, go on short walks and explore the area, or just sit back and read a book while you get delighted with the amazing pristine rainforest! And there is plenty of tasty food to be savored, too!

Today a moderate hiking day is waiting for us: we walk approximately 6–7 hours (14 km) through thick forest following the Blanco River. On our way there are several abandoned farmhouses. As we go passing the Blanco Valley we will find abundance of fruit trees, which will be for sure part of our snack!

Overnight at La Bandurria farm, where our host Tito Velazquez will delight us with a delicious Patagonian lamb!

Let’s leave behind the Blanco Valley and follow down the Conchas River, moving fast along an old flat terrain path which farmers have used for centuries to move up to the valley cows and sheep in the summer time, and bring them back down in winter. At this point of the crossing, the Patagonian rainforest is the best with its big trees! Today we camp by the river and, if you wish to, swim a bit in the crystal clear river!

Our last hiking day of this amazing Andean crossing starts with a tasty breakfast and continues with a 4 hour walk. Following the Conchas River and crossing it twice, we arrive to the small Cayutué Lake and its incredible view of Puntiagudo Volcano. We are almost to reach the sea level!

After an hour and a half walking, we arrive at the meeting point where our private transportation waits for us. Getting to Puerto Varas will take us another hour and a half- driving distance.

End of the experience, and time to relax at the shores of Lake Llanquihue in Puerto Varas!

If trekking is of your interest, we recommend you our Patagonia Hiking Tours.

Other experiences you may like:  Fitz Roy Trek & W trek /  W trek Patagonia / Torres del Paine o circuit / Huemul Circuit, etc.